No Turning Back / Devotions for Easter

No Turning Back The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Matthew 21:9 Have you ever had a “no turning back” kind of moment? There’s no mistaking it when it happens. A feeling deep inside tells you that from this point forward, things will never be the same. It could have been the birth of a child or the loss of a loved one. Maybe it was a moment when you were presented with two career options, or when you made a decision about a relationship. Can you recall the feelings that accompanied that kind of moment? Palm Sunday represented such a moment in Jesus’ life. This is the day we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As He entered the city, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna!” and declared Him King. This, Bible scholars tell us, this moment was Jesus’ “no turning back” moment. He “crossed the point of no return,” for those in power simply could not allow Him to continue challenging their authority as He had. Can you imagine the intensity of that moment? Jesus’ entire earthly ministry had been leading Him to this precise point. Every miracle performed and every message preached had been in preparation for this day. The Pharisees and government officials may have previously backed down or overlooked other perceived offenses, but not this one. They could not. In the midst of the celebratory atmosphere, tension hung in the air; there would be consequences. Jesus sealed His fate when He rode into Jerusalem that day. He didn’t cloak His identity in parables or hidden messages; He declared Himself to be the Messiah. An action like that could not be undone. The time had come for Him to reveal Himself, ensuring that His death would come soon. Jesus knew this, yet He did not cower, back down, or change His mind. His love for us carried Him straight to the cross. As you contemplate Easter and what it means for you, allow yourself to follow in His steps. Hear the shouting of the crowds. Look into the faces of those who loved Him. Consider the incredible weight that must have rested on His shoulders. What kind of love must have kept Him going to the point of “no turning back” knowing He would soon be despised and crucified? Take in every word of His final teachings. May your love and gratitude for Him carry you straight to the cross. No turning back.

Excerpted from  Devotions for Easter © 2017. Zondervan Publishing. Used by permission.